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La Mesa Demolitions Prompts Preservation Ordinance Review
September/October 2019
 Drew Ford Roundhouse, 8970 La Mesa Blvd. Demolished June 2018. Photo by Gregory May |
 Lloyd Ruocco 1951 storefront remodel, 8371 La Mesa Blvd. David Woodson Realty |
In recent years, the City of La Mesa has become known for the demolition of its historically significant buildings, and for doing so without proper public notice or historic review. Iconic buildings like the Drew Ford Roundhouse, highly visible from I-8, was unceremoniously bulldozed in 2018. Since this resource was not listed in the city's outdated 1985 historic survey, the Council adopted a Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act). Tragically, despite SOHO's assertion of a CEQA violation, this Midcentury Modern landmark familiar to millions of drivers was demolished in June 2018.
Recently, another questionable decision pertains to the storefront that Master Architect Lloyd Ruocco remodeled in 1951 at 8371 La Mesa Boulevard. While it too was not listed in the 1980s survey, the storefront is over 50 years old and the required historical report was completed in response to the owner's plan to add an outdoor dining area and sidewalk cafe. However, the report failed to investigate La Mesa's own permit records, which document Ruocco's work on this property. After the faulty report was revised, the Planning Commission approved the owner's remodeling project, and approved a CEQA exemption under §15301 (an existing facility) and under §15303 (conversion of a small structure). SOHO maintains these alterations could easily comply with the Secretary of the Interior Standards (see SOHO's letter HERE. Once again, despite SOHO's advocacy, the City Council is likely to allow the project soon.
Fortunately, there is a silver lining. La Mesa's Historical Preservation Commission is now getting involved, both in updating the Historic Resources Inventory and creating a subcommittee to review and make recommendations on amending the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
SOHO urges La Mesa preservationists and other observers to stay vigilant in La Mesa. Please let SOHO know, along with City officials, if you are concerned about a historical resource that might be undergoing historical review. Call SOHO at (619) 297-9327 or write us at SOHOsandiego@aol.com.
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